Protective Actions

As a tropical cyclone forms in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, or the Atlantic Ocean, you should begin to monitor the storm and its progression. This can be done through the National Hurricane Center’s website (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/) or local media.

When the storm nears Florida, the Hurricane Center will issue a tropical cyclone watch or warning or a hurricane watch and warning depending on the situation and placement of the system.

Tropical Cyclone Watch: An announcement that sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are possible within the specified area within 48 hours in association with a tropical cyclone.

Tropical Cyclone Warning: An announcement that sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours in association with tropical cyclone.

Hurricane Watch: An announcement that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are possible within the specified area within 48 hours in association with a hurricane.

Hurricane Warning: An announcement that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours in association with a hurricane.

You should plan to complete all preparations for your home or business before tropical cyclone force winds reach the county. This means you should have secured your home or evacuated to a safe location before 39 mph are in the county.

Sumter County is not in a designated evacuation zone because we are an interior county. Those who should consider seeking alternate shelter include low lying or flood prone areas, manufactured, modular, or mobile homes, and those in recreation vehicle parks.

Additionally, you should consider evacuating if you are electronically dependent or have a special need, you should visit our SPECIAL NEEDS section for more information.